Isn’t public education supposed to be free?

It’s that time of year again when every mom-and-pop-store to big box franchise puts out everything possibly related to school and supplies for returning students. The shopping frenzy to be well equipped is an underlying theme of consumerism matched only by Christmas shopping some months from now. The question that begets asking is what happened to last year’s school supplies?

As a mom of two adult boys now done with public education, in our home knapsacks, lunch bags and pencil cases were recycled for a minimum of three years if not four before being replaced. The only items replaced were indoor running shoes if they were outgrown but even these were still recycled to the younger sibling (remember past generations of kids who were thrilled to get their older sibling’s hand me downs?). Then again, in the past, quality products outlasted a 10 month school year.

As for school supplies, these are free, government supplied through the operating budgets of school boards, who may not charge fees for either attending school or for needing any item required for learning. These items include writing equipment, paper, notebooks and duotangs, math supplies, craft supplies, books or textbooks, registration or admin fees.

The Ontario Ministry of Education issued a Fees for Learning Materials and Activities Guideline in March 2011 (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/feesGuideline.pdf) outlining to school boards what fees may and may not be charged to students and families and how these fees are to be collected, recorded and published to the community for transparency and accountability. It also clearly states that no student or family should be excluded from a learning opportunity related to the curriculum due to financial constraints, and confidentiality measures to protect families who request financial coverage of school related fees.

In recent years, lists of specific supplies for purchase coming home to parents from schools is politically incorrect as it implies an expectation to the family which is inappropriate. Kudos to the Upper Canada District School Board for eliminating this practice as of this school year and taking a stance on making public education cost free learning http://www.ucdsb.on.ca/ucdsbnews/2015-2016schoolyear/august2016/pages/welcomeback-fromourfamilytoyours.aspx.

What families need to remember at this time of year is that any fee coming home from schools is optional and that students may not be excluded, not serviced, face reprisal or feel shamed by school staff if payment is not forthcoming –either from well to do families on principle or families in greater financial constraints or having numerous children. Families should never feel intimidated or humiliated by expectations from school staff whether explicit or implied.

The message needs to be sent loud and clear that Ontarians expect public education to be free in all aspects from all education service providers, large and small.

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Horizon Testimonials

My children’s standardized assessments gave me valuable information on their learning styles and the best approach and strategies for me to help them at home

SandraOrleans

Jocelyn Shufelt

Having someone present with me at my son’s IPRC meeting helped me ask the right questions to obtain the services my son required in order to succeed in school

Jocelyn Shufelt

Mindy Davis

Horizon Educational Consulting greatly helped me following our relocation from Vancouver to Ottawa as I was interested in pursuing French immersion/other French language programming opportunities for my son. Horizon is very familiar with school boards and educational methods. They were supportive and always willing to assist and I would highly recommend them for assisting with

Mindy DavisBarrhaven

Caryn Bursch

Monika Ferenczy of Horizon Educational Consulting has a wealth of knowledge that parents need to help their children in difficult school situations. Her professional, calm demeanor and thoroughness are much appreciated. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to all parents who need a little more help with their child’s school.

Caryn BurschDoctor of Audiology

Christiane Zeithammel

With Monika in my corner, I know what programs are available in the school system, which are best for my boys, the hoops though which we must jump to get what my boys need, how to accelerate the process, and eventually how to convince the schools to deliver the program properly. I appreciate and trust

Christiane Zeithammel

A changed daughter

I felt like I was banging my head against the wall with my daughter’s high school. To say I was frustrated is an understatement! Achieve Therapy Centre recommended Monika. She quickly responded to my panicked email. She came with me to the school to meet with the Learning Advisor and the math teacher. Before the

Mother of a 15 year old, Barrhaven

Judah & Michael Semenak

Wonderful finding someone to teach our daughter to play the piano in an adapted way and to help us navigate through the intricacies of the school system.